Category: Northern Report

Kano State House of Assembly has confirmed appointment of Justice Dije Aboki as chief Judge.

Confirmation of the first woman chief judge followed consideration of a letter to the Assembly by Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, in March, sworn in Aboki as acting chief judge.

Read Also : Kano Assembly confirms Justice Aboki as first female Chief Judge

The Assembly also confirmed three more commissioner-nominees – Ibrahim Fagge, Ibrahim Namadi and Amina Abdullahi-Sani, after screening yesterday.

Assembly Speaker, Ismail Falgore, urged them to justify the appointments by being dedicated.

He urged them to complement efforts of the governor in development of the state.

The nominees described the opportunity as a call to serve the state.

NAN had reported the Assembly screened and confirmed 19 commissioner- nominees last month.

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, and Commandant-General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi, have resolved to form synergy to end farmer/herder clashes.

Namadi, who visited headquarters of the corps. in Abuja,  hailed NSCDC for its leading roles in security in the nation.

“I want to thank you for the good and commendable performance of the corps in internal security.

“Within two years, you have transformed the agency through =hardwork and repositioned it for better performance,” he said.

The governor, in a statement by Director of Public Relations,  Olusola Odumosu, said he visited the commandant to express concerns by farmers on attacks by herders.

He appealed for the corps’intervention in providing security for farmers to restore confidence to freely go back to farming.

Read Also : Katsina renews move to end farmer-herder clashes, banditry

Audi, who lauded the governor for his visit, promised to deploy well-trained Agro Rangers to solve the clashes.

“By our Act, NSCDC is mandated to protect and provide security for government’s critical national assets and infrasructure.

“We have over 10,000 staff in the Agro Rangers’ department that are well trained to provide security and safety for farmers and other agro allied products and investments in the nation.”

“We have been getting intelligence reports on the way bandits and kidnappers scare farmers and since we have some personnel for this, we will provide the service you need”, he said.

Dr Audi  also commended Gov. Namadi for his support to the Corps in Jigawa State, and assured him of putting a stop to the security challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Borno state Governor, Babagana Zulum, has appointed Bello Alhaji Ibrahim as executive chairman of Borno State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS).

The appointment was announced via a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau.

 Bello was managing director and chief executive officer of Borno Renaissance Micro Finance Bank.

Bello, who hails from Maiduguri, holds PhD, MSc and Bachelors degree in Economics from University of Maiduguri, Gusau said.

An associate professor, Bello is a teacher, researcher, banker, economist and expert on advising, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of multi sectoral community projects of World Bank, he said

Gusau recalled that Associate Professor Bello began his working career at the Borno State Hospitals Management Board. He was personnel officer from 1992 to 1993.

Read Also : Subsidy: Zulum releases 80 vehicles to ease transportation cost

He moved to Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri, as an academic staff from 1993 to the year, 2000.

He joined the Unity Bank PLC as operations manager from 2000 to 2007.

He rejoined the academics in 2007 as an academic staff of the University of Maiduguri where he worked from 2007 to 2015.

Bello later moved to Northwest University in Kano also as an academic staff and was there from 2015 to 2019.

In December 2019, Bello joined Borno State University as an academic staff.

Plateau State chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC) says it has discovered attempts by some members to create faction in the party.

The party added it will resist such move and asked such members to desist from such attempt.

State Chairman, Rufus Bature, spoke during the stakeholders meeting at the party secretariat in Kalwa House, Jos.

Bature said: “The party is aware of the desperate attempts by some members to tear the party apart. We are aware of their nocturnal activities which we frown at.

“The party has also watched with dismay activities of some self-styled leaders who have been jumping from pillar to post in search of federal appointments. Their embarrassing behaviour has portrayed them as people who want to reap where they did not sow.”

‘’The party has noticed their disappointing anti-party activities before, during and after the election and has set machinery in motion to deal with such sundry issues. In doing so, due process would be followed and those who need to be sanctioned would be sanctioned in line with the party’s constitution.’’

“Let me advise them to bury the thought in their interest as the party which has remained united would not allow selfish individuals who are perpetual office seekers to temper with its rank and file”

Bature who said the stakeholders meeting was to review the 2023 general election, noted that, “We held different meetings, first with members of the State Executive Committee which was followed by a joint meeting with Local Government Party Chairmen and elected Executive Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas.

“We had also met with our elected Members of the State House of Assembly and with our gubernatorial candidate in the last General

“We have convened this meeting to rub minds and reflect on the outcome of the last general elections and share thoughts on the journey thus far and the way forward”

The party assured members to remain hopeful assuring that the party will eventually reclaimed it’s stolen mandate through the petition tribunal.

“I commend true lovers and loyal members of the party who have kept faith in the party. Let me assure you that your efforts shall surely be rewarded.

“For those who went and voted against the party and who have been masquerading as elders of the party, let me make it very clear here that the party will not reward disloyalty from anybody”, he said.

In his remarks, leader of the party and former governor of the state Simon Lalong said the party will bounce back very soon.

He encouraged all party members who lost election to remain hopeful on the tribunal.

He commended the gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, and his deputy, Hon. Pam Bot Mang, for their patience and demonstration of leadership, adding that the party will stand with them while the tribunal sits.

The Senate, yesterday, described the sharp increase in illegal motor parks and garages within the Abuja city centre as an eyesore.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin made this observation while contributing the debate on a motion titled: “Urgent need to stem the tide of illegal motor parks and pick-up points within Abuja metropolis.”

The motion was sponsored by Senator Wadada Ahmed (SDP – Nasarawa West) and co-Sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT).

Read Also : Abuja: FCDA to demolish police station, others on waterways

The upper chamber in its resolution vowed to check the upsurge in unauthorised motor parks and pick up points within the Federal Capital City (FCC) Abuja.

It urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the VIO, FRSC, and other relevant agencies to immediately constitute a joint task force and step up action to eradicate multiplicity of illegal garages and pick-up points within the Abuja metropolis.

The red chambers also urged the joint task force to always enforce penalty for the creation of illegal garages within the FCT.

Wadada in his lead debate said that by the Constitution of Nigeria, the National Assembly was constitutionally empowered to legislate for the FCT.

He noted that the FCT was perhaps the fastest growing city in Africa with the influx of people from all parts of the nation thereby putting pressure on existing facilities and causing increased vehicular traffic.

He said: “This is as people have come from all walks of life to seek greener pasture.

“Even though the Abuja masterplan had designated motor parks and garages for pick-up and drop-off of passengers, commercial motorists in the FCT formed the habit of picking up and dropping off passengers indiscriminately.

“They also park at non-designated parking zones on the highways thereby causing unnecessary traffic and congestion and also accidents on the highway.”

He insisted that if the illegal pick-ups and drop offs of passengers at non-designated parking zones was not controlled or eliminated, “it may in addition to causing accidents become a serious security threat and concern in the FCT.”

In her contribution, Senator Kingibe said that the FCT, being the capital of the nation, seat of the government and the face of Nigeria, it was important that the menace be taken care of urgently.

“There are provisions for parks in the master plan and those things should be immediately restored,” Kingibe said.

Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA – Abia South) in his contribution said that the Senate was the House of Assembly for the FCT.

“And rather than make a motion, our job actually is to make bye-laws for the FCT and therefore, it behooves on all of us and the movers of this motion in addition, to also come up with the bye-laws of the FCT which we will pass on this floor,” Abaribe said.

Also in his contribution Senator Isa Jibrin (APC – Kogi East) said that apart from revenue generation at the motor parks, the essence of having motor parks was also to allow ease of tracking of motorists in cases of theft or accidents and other unforseen circumstances.

“I believe that the illegal motor parks should be scrapped immediately and any of the motorists that does not go with the rules of parking, there should be appropriate sanctions that would serve as deterrence to erring motorists,” Jibrin said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary said that: “It’s an eyesore what we see every day in Abuja where everywhere has been turned to garage not befitting our capital city, which is the number one symbol of this country.

“It is the pride of all of us; a wonderfully crafted city but being messed up by the sights we see every day along roads.

“The FCT committee when constituted should be able to do its oversight functions properly.

“They should put pressure on the FCT administration to do what they are supposed to do by making sure we have a befitting city that we can all be proud of.”

Twenty three thousand, one hundred and fifty nine candidates applied for first degree through Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Direct Entry (DE) into Federal University, Dutse in Jigawa State.

 Vice Chancellor, Prof Abdulkareem Muhammad, speaking at the matriculation, said the institution admitted 4493 candidates.

He  said “the 2021/2022 combined admission is challenging because of the large number of applicants with only a limited quota to admit”.

“Federal University, Dutse, received 23,951 applications, with only allowable admission quota of 4493 (19 per cent)”.

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He said “one programme that is popular with applicants is MBBS with 3893 applicants for a quota of only 100 allowed by MDCN. I must say admissions into the university has become competitive over the years…’’

“It is always a moment of joy not only to new students but also to parents and guardians, after a keen struggle to secure admission, especially at this combined admission which is highly competitive. I congratulate you for being among the lucky applicants…’’

 who gained admission into this University that is currently one of the most preferred university in this region”.

The CV told the new students that “You would have noticed by now that you have joined a very young promising and stable University and therefore expected to act in a manner that is consistent with the peace and stability you met in the University. You must adhere strictly to the matriculation Oath you are about to take. You must restrain yourselves from such vices like Examination misconduct/malpractice, cultism, drugs abuse, fighting, stealing etc”.

“As a young University we have our set of rules and regulations that we guard jealously. You must also observe the dress code rules and avoid unnecessary travels. We provided basic facilities in your halls of residence for your comfort and relaxation and the Office of the Dean Students’ Affairs is always available to guide and support you to make your stay in the University comnfortable”, Professor Abdulkareem emphasis.

He directed them to always go to the staff advisers whom they can feel free to consult and a vibrant

Student Union Government that you can channel your problems if any for possible solution. Any student who breaches the set rules and regulations would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his efforts at diversifying the economy of Nasarawa State.

Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, made the commendation when he led a delegation from RMAFC on a visit to Sule at Government House.

Shehu lauded the governor for his achievements in seeing Nasarawa become an oil producing state, especially with the kick off of oil drilling at Ebenyi-A oil well in Obi Local Government.

He extolled Sule’s latest foray, particularly mining of lithium by a Chinese company in Nasarawa Local Government.

Read Also : Abdullahi Sule @ 62: ‘Of Life and Birth’

“We have seen that soon Nasarawa will be declared an oil producing state and will get 13 per cent derivation given constitutionally to every producing state. This will be the beginning of the industrialisation of the state…’’

“And your efforts are also noted in other areas of diversification of the economy of Nasarawa State.  Recently, you were in the news about lithium factory that is coming in. My understanding is that they are not just coming to exploit it and take it out, they are going to process it here. There will be value-chain along the line,” the RMAFC chairman said.

Shehu also commended the efforts of the Governor in the area of technical education, expressing optimism that soon, citizens of Nasarawa State will fill up technical vacancies not only in Abuja but the country at large.

The RMAFC boss emphasized that it is the responsibility of his commission to motivate states towards diversifying their economies towards increasing their internally generated revenue.

He informed the Governor that they were in Lafia to inspect an office building allocated to the commission at the Justice Sidi Bage Federal Secretariat, in continuation of the efforts for the RMAFC to have operational offices in each of the 36 states of the federation.

Responding, Governor Abdullahi Sule disclosed that other companies are showing interest in mining lithium in the state, with another company already showing interest to mine lithium in the Nunku area in Akwanga Local Government Area.

“Those are the kinds of opportunities that we have and I thank you for doing everything possible to promote diversification of the economy and by your call to various governors and especially to the National Economic Council (NEC), to ensure that we continue to diversify for the progress of our country,” he stated.

Sule also commended the RMAFC chairman and his team for their good work and for introducing reforms at the agency.

“We are going to keep doing our best like you mentioned in the aspect of lithium.  Other companies are indicating interest in lithium mining here. It is also going to add to your portfolio.  That it is during your period that we are beginning to see funds that are going to come from solid minerals.

“Like you rightly mentioned, all the lithium, tantalite, zinc, helium, and so many other minerals that we have, especially here in Nasarawa State, are being taken in their raw form to other countries to go and be processed.

“This time around and for the first time, we are lucky this company is coming to install a factory because of the deposits. In one location, they are already making a factory that is processing 3000 metric tones a day.

“By producing 3000 metric tones capacity a day, they can transform into a million tones per year. They have at least 10 to 15m metric tones deposit in one location. Right now they have 50 Chinese expatriates on site and roughly 500 Nigerians that are already working for them in that location,” he added.

Nasarawa  State Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) Stakeholders Forum, Dr Muh’d Kassim, has said 10 members of the House of Assembly, led by Daniel Ogazi, did not get June pay because they were not inaugurated.

Kassim, former lawmaker, who spoke yesterday in Lafia, queried the legitimacy of some faceless individuals questioning the non-payment of the members.

According to him “There is no authority or law that says members who are yet to be inaugurated should be paid, the 10 members, led by Daniel Ogazi, have refused to present themselves for inauguration for reasons known to them.

Read Also : Rivers APC: we didn’t concede ministerial slot to Wike

“As a former lawmaker and chairman of the forum, I can state that the conflict in the House of Assembly is primarily a struggle for leadership

“It is important to note the matter is unrelated to the governor as the Assembly functions as a distinct branch of the government, any attempt to tarnish the governor’s reputation will not be tolerated.

“The state is peaceful and legislative activities are proceeding normally, contrary to claims made by some faceless individuals, we urge Daniel Ogazi and his group of 10 members to accept defeat and return to the Assembly for their constituents who voted them in for effective representation and not for a leadership struggle,” he said.

He called for the immediate arrest of the former chairman of Karu LGA, Hon Samuel Akala to ascertain the identity of the anonymous group he is fronting in the name of concern APC stakeholders as there is nothing like such forum in Nasarawa state, the only recognized forum is that APC Stakeholders Forum headed by Dr Kassim.

He explains further that no court, both the one in Lafia and Abuja banned the Speaker Balarabe from functioning, adding that there is a court case coming up later this month instituted by Ogazi and another coming up on October 12th filed by same Ogazi, but none of the court ordered Balarabe to stop functioning because such has not been served on the speaker, if there is any.

Regent School has been judged outstanding by British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspectors commissioned by United Kingdom Department for Education (DfE).

To be so recognised, a British school overseas must have a report which shows its performance in all BSO standards is satisfactory.

According to the school, this reflects the standards required for continuing registration as a school in England.

To win, schools are judged in eight standards; Quality; Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development; Welfare, health and safety; Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors; Premises of and accommodation; Provision of information to parents; Manner in which complaints and grievances are handled, and Quality of leadership.

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Regent School won in all categories – the first and only school in Nigeria and West Africa to achieve the status.

Joe Labuschagne, headmaster, said the accomplishment was due to team work, planning and preparation.

He presented the Proprietress, Amsa AbdulRazaq, a plaque representing the inspection report.

Chief Inspector at PENTA International, Dr. Mark Evans, said: “Regent Primary School is a friendly and vibrant school that provides a high standard of education and care. It has made excellent progress since the last BSO inspection. 

Explaining the achievement, Head of Assessment and qualified BSO Inspector in the school, Mr. Akin Alufa, said schools that are judged outstanding have stringent criteria to meet.

“They must cross all t’s and dot all I’s in all ramifications. They must also demonstrate through excellent practice across board that they can be relied upon to show glowing examples within COBIS and BSO communities globally. “The Regent School, is now the first and only school in Nigeria and West Africa with the BSO outstanding rating,” he said.

The Regent Primary School, Abuja was founded in the Year 2000 in order to provide a British-style education of high quality to Nigerian children, and to the children of expatriates living and working in the growing city of Abuja.

The school has since developed into a friendly and thriving day school offering a broad and balanced education for boys and girls aged 2 – 18.

Commissioner  of Police in  Bauchi State, Auwal Musa Muhammad has assumed duties.

He succeeds  AIG Aminu Alhassan, who retired after 33 years of service.

Musa is the 45th Police commissioner in Bauchi.

A statement yesterday by command spokesman, Mohammed Wakil, reads:

“The new commissioner, who is the 45th in Bauchi, expressed his appreciation to Ag. Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun Adeolu,  for the confidence reposed in him…”

“He hails from Nasarawa Local Government of Kano State. and enlisted into the Police in 1993.

‘’A holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Bayero University, Kano, he is equipped with vast knowledge and experience in contemporary policing and had held several strategic positions across all departments of the Police…’’

“He served as the officer-in-charge of the Anti-Fraud Unit State CID Katsina State, Divisional Crime Officer(DCO)at Sabongari, Divisional Police Officer(DPO), Daura, Divisional Police Officer(DPO), Mashi Police Division, Divisional Police Officer(DPO), Kafur Police Division, all in Katsina State.”

He also served as Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Kano State Command, Staff Officer (Senior Matter), Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Garum Mallam Division, and Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Dakata Division, all in Kano State among others